Noe Valley Library History

The Noe Valley/Sally Brunn Branch Library was the seventh branch established in the San Francisco Public Library system. The first Noe Valley Branch building was located at 1308 Castro Street. Using a grant provided by Andrew Carnegie, SFPL built a two-story building with a Spanish-style facade of brick and terra cotta. It was completed September 17, 1916 at a cost of $45,499, including furnishings. The architect was John Reid, Jr. In 2007/08 the branch was renovated. The branch was recognized for the renovation with the Governor's Historic Preservation Award. The renovated Noe Valley Branch has also been hailed for its green features - lighting, low-water plants, and the use of recycled plastic materials. Over the years, the Noe Valley community has contributed to the improvement and well being of the library. During the 1970s, Noe Valley residents built a deck and a community garden adjacent to the library. During the 1990s, members of the neighborhood groups renovated the community room. Currently, the Noe Valley Garden Club is working on a project to redesign and refurbish the garden behind the branch.